Republican Primary Candidates For Secretary Of State Disagree Over Lobbying

Candidates disagreed about how much political lobbyists should have to disclose during last night’s Republican Primary Debate for Secretary of State.

The Center for Public Integrity ranks Wyoming as having the second to least rigorous reporting requirements for lobbyists. Ed Buchanan said he would consider tweaking the requirements, but he says there isn’t a problem.

“We really don’t have an issue with lobbyists in Wyoming doing anything that is unethical.”

Candidate Clark Stith said that, as long as familial connections are disclosed there doesn’t need to be any changes to Wyoming’s lobbying system. Pete Illoway, who used to be a lobbyist, agreed.

“If you tell a lie, you’re gone,” said Illoway. “You are not going to be a lobbyist ever again in this state.”

But Ed Murray came out in favor of tougher reporting standards for lobbyists.